Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contacts: Forrest Peterson, 320-214-3789 Joel Fischer, 651-296-8643 Toll-free: 1-800-657-3864 Willmar, Minn. -- The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has prepared an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposed new finishing hog facility near Edgerton in Section 35 of Osborne Township in Pipestone County. The EAW, which describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality, is open for public review and comment through Aug. 30, 2006. Denny Holtrop proposes to build a new 4,800-head hog finishing facility, for a total of 1,440 animal units. They will be housed in two, 192-foot by 101-foot barns. Manure will be collected in concrete pits below the barns. In the fall, the manure will be pumped out and injected on cropland as fertilizer, requiring 329 acres. The EAW provides basic information on how a proposed project could potentially affect the environment. During the 30-day period it is open to public review and comment. Comments on the EAW should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 30 to Joel Fischer, MPCA, 520 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, or by fax to 651-297-2343. The MPCA will use these comments to evaluate the potential for significant environmental effects from the project, and to decide if an Environmental Impact Statement (a more comprehensive environmental review) is needed. Copies of the EAW are available for review at:
· The MPCA's St. Paul office, 520 Lafayette Rd. N.
· The MPCA's Web site at hhref="/news/eaw/index.html
· MPCA Willmar office, 201 28th Ave. S.W.
· Meinders Community Library, 1401 7th St. SW, Pipestone, Minn.
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Joel Fischer at 651-296-8643 or 1-800-657-3864 (toll free/TTY).